I received an offer for premium airline elite status at $499 — here's the reason behind it

I'm perfectly fine flying with budget airlines like Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines as long as the price is right and they can take me to my destination.

Typically, the challenge with flying an airline that tacks on fees for everything is that those charges can accumulate rapidly. It may still be cheaper than booking with a full-service airline, but not by as much as you might expect from just the base fare.

Since I often travel with my family (a lot of people and a lot of luggage), we can't always sidestep baggage fees, seat selection charges, and other additional costs. However, there's a way to minimize most of these fees: elite status.

Indeed, Frontier offers a genuine and beneficial elite status program, and Spirit is just weeks away from unveiling its own exciting program. I recently accepted Frontier's offer to match (almost) any U.S. airline's elite status with minimal conditions through 2021.

With a simple $49 processing fee, Frontier upgraded my mid-tier United Gold status to their mid-tier Elite 50k status valid until December 2021. However, this was just the beginning of my swift ascent through Frontier's elite tiers.

For the latest updates from TPG delivered straight to your inbox every morning, subscribe to our free daily newsletter.

Match your status with Frontier by December 1

Before diving into specifics, remember that the chance to convert your current elite status from Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Southwest, or United to Frontier for just $49 expires on December 1, 2020 — so act fast if you're interested.

At the Elite 50k tier, you gain benefits like family mile pooling, a complimentary carry-on bag, waived redemption fees, 50% off a Discount Den membership, and free seat assignments for everyone in your party. This includes extra legroom (stretch) seats during booking. This status can potentially save you $100 to $200 per trip, depending on how many family members are traveling.

Exclusive offer to upgrade to top-tier elite status

Typically, achieving top-tier airline elite status requires extensive flying, significant spending, or both. While there are credit cards that provide a shortcut to elite status, it's rare to find an option to simply purchase a top-tier position with just a few clicks and a few hundred dollars.

After my match to Frontier's Elite 50k status was completed, I received an email presenting the chance to purchase Frontier's top-tier Elite 100k status for a mere $499 — eliminating the need to fly or spend to earn 100,000 Frontier miles in a calendar year.

Although I can't promise it, there's a good chance you'll also get the option to purchase a higher level of Frontier elite status if you take part in the airline's limited-time matching offer.

Reasons I'm declining the offer

A top-tier airline elite status for $499 is a reasonable deal. Many people certainly invest more time and money into mileage running than that.

If your family plans to book several Frontier Airlines flights next year, values flexibility, and expects to check multiple bags, the cost of acquiring a higher status could be justified. However, I believe the mid-tier Elite 50k level I currently hold will meet most of my needs. I might have to pay for a checked bag or two, but I probably won’t spend $500 on additional charges — especially since I plan to use Frontier for my Amex airline fee credit in 2021.

You might be able to leverage this top-tier status for a game of status matching and turn it into a match or trial with another airline, but this has become somewhat trickier in recent years.

Nowadays, many programs require evidence of both the miles you've accrued that year and proof of your status level. Programs that once offered simple year-long status matches, like Alaska, have transitioned to a trial format where you need to complete a certain amount of flying within a few months to maintain status for the entire year.

However, if the Frontier status match and potential upgrade opportunity could assist you in achieving a desired status level with another airline, that's definitely worth considering.

In summary

This year has undoubtedly been exceptionally tough for both airlines and travelers. 2021 may also begin on a low note. Yet, I remain hopeful for travel as we approach the summer months and beyond. Even if I utilize my $49 Frontier status match only once, it will still be worthwhile.

While the $499 offer for top-tier status caught my eye, it doesn't align with my family's needs. However, it could signify the start of airlines exploring unique ways to generate additional revenue as the year comes to a close. This could create opportunities for travelers aiming to secure elite status that may have otherwise been unattainable.